WSWA Supports “We Don’t Serve Teens” Program for a Fourth Consecutive Year

September 8, 2010

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Washington, D.C. —Members of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) are distributing thousands of point-of-sale materials to retailers across the nation as part of the Federal Trade Commission’s “We Don’t Serve Teens” campaign, a public-private national initiative to combat increased underage drinking.

For the fourth year in a row, WSWA’s members will provide materials free of charge to retailers carrying the “We Don’t Serve Teens” message. This year’s theme is “The Legal Drinking Age is 21—Thanks for Not Providing Alcohol to Teens” and the campaign launch coincides with the start of the school year.

“The industry has a responsibility to discourage teens from even attempting to purchase alcohol,” WSWA President Craig Wolf said. “Whether it is through this campaign, or our recently launched ‘It’s 21. Just Pass’ underage drinking initiative with the National Football League Players Association and Discovery Education, it is critically important that we educate the public and policymakers about our industry’s commitment to social responsibility.”

According to Wolf, WSWA’s responsibility initiatives are designed to create positive changes in young people’s habits and attitudes, by fostering a social climate, which condemns irresponsible choices and illegal behavior. “At the same time, reducing underage drinking requires a cooperative effort on a community level through voices teens hear every day—parents, teachers, local leaders and the media,” Wolf added.

In 2009, over 25,000 items were distributed by some 40 WSWA member companies. Since the program began in 2007, nearly 130,000 point-of-sale materials have been distributed to retailers, and resolutions praising the campaign were passed by the U.S. House and Senate.

Other organizations supporting the campaign include the U.S. Department of Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, American Beverage Licensees, Beer Institute, National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, National Conference of State Liquor Administrators, National Consumer League, National Organizations for Youth Safety and Students Against Destructive Decisions.

By participating in the “We Don’t Serve Teens” campaign, wholesalers, suppliers and retailers send a strong industry message that underage drinking won’t be tolerated. The ongoing “We Don’t Serve Teens” campaign is an acknowledgement that all three tiers of the beverage alcohol industry are united in an effort to protect America’s youth.